The Super Teacher Project By: Gordon Korman

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

It's the start of a new school year and Brightling Middle School is welcoming a new teacher, Mr. Aidact. Mr. Aidact refers to the students as pupils and seems to know everything, including when Oliver is letting off one of his famous spitballs.  Mr. Aidact has a student teacher following him around with a briefcase, but the student teacher never teaches.  Something is definitely up with this new teacher and the students of Brightling will find out. This story is told from the perspective of multiple characters. It's an interesting read, although I did find it to be a little longer than it needed to be.  I recommend this to fans of Gordon Korman, realistic fiction, and those who like to try putting the pieces together.  Although Mr. Aidact gets off to a bumpy start, you'll be cheering for him in the end!

Other Words For Home By: Jasmine Warga

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

This story is told in verse and is the journey of Jude and her pregnant mother, who leave their home in Syria to live in America with Jude's uncle.  Jude could never have imagined leaving her homeland, father, and older brother behind, but when things become dangerous Jude must leave everything she knows.  Life in America is very different. Jude's uncle is a doctor who works long hours.  Her aunt is kind, but her cousin is not eager to start a friendship.  As time goes on, Jude becomes more comfortable in her new home and realizes that home can mean different things at different times.  This is an engaging story.  It is a story of new beginnings, friendship, and family.  I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic fiction.  The book would make a good read aloud for grade 6 as it connects to the social studies curriculum topics.

Crossover By: Kwame Alexander

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Gr. 6+

Written in free verse, this story is told by Josh who is an identical twin.  Josh and his twin brother, Jordan are both great basketball players.  Their father is a retired professional basketball player and their mother is vice-principal of their school.  Things are going well in Josh's life until his brother finds a girlfriend, changing their close relationship.  Josh comforts himself with still having his dad, but then his father develops health problems.  This is a very engaging, easy to read book. It should be enjoyed by fans of realistic fiction and/or basketball fans.  It's a story of family, friendship, and growing up.

Bea Mullins Takes A Shot By: Emily Deibert

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

When Bea's middle school gym floods, students are encouraged to join extra-curricular sports.  Bea's only other experience with team sports wasn't good, but her best friend, Celia convinces her that joining a girl's hockey team will be fun.  Eventually, Bea does really begin to enjoy hockey and the new friendships she makes.  Unfortunately, the team doesn't have much funding and may not survive the semester. Also, Bea makes some poor decisions with her friendships, creating tension.  This is an interesting story.  Fans of hockey would definitely enjoy it.  I did find this Silver Birch 2026 nominee to be a little longer than it needed to be, but that could be because I'm not a hockey fan.

Every Little Bit Olive Tran By: Phuong Truong

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 3-5

"Every Little Bit Olive Tran" is a Silver Birch Express 2026 nominee.  This is the story of Olive who is thrilled to be turning ten.  Turning ten means more independence, like walking to school on her own.  Olive is planning a big birthday party with her whole class invited.  But when Olive finds out that Mrs. Ly was pushed onto the street and that other Asian people have been the victims of cruelty, her happy world begins to change.  This book was not what I was expecting from a Silver Birch Express nominee.  The book deals with racism in a way that is easy for younger students to understand.  This book could be used to promote serious discussions.  It is a story of friendship and helping others out.  I recommend this to fans of realistic fiction or as a read aloud to stimulate discussions about racism.

The Dark Won't Wait By: David A. Poulsen

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Thriller
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Dark Won't Wait" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of high school student, Dom.  Dom is decent at school, loves cars, and plays baseball.  When his friend Mia, asks him to watch her audition for the school play, he finds himself taking on a role in the play.  Farhad is the other member of the gang and he works lighting and sound for the play.  Riding his bike one day, Dom sees a beautiful girl looking out a window.  Eventually, he meets her and learns her name is Callie.  The shocking news comes when someone is murdered at Callie's home.  Add to that the break-in at Farhad's family pharmacy and a couple of mysteries need to be solved.  The events in this story are a little unbelievable, but if you suspend that you will find an interesting story that keeps you turning the pages.  I recommend this book to fans of mystery and action/adventure.

Finding Harmony By: Eric Walters

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Gr. 7/8

"Finding Harmony" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of twelve-year-old Harmony, whose mom's struggles with addiction cause Harmony to spend time in foster care.  Even though Harmony is more like the parent in her relationship with her mom, she wants nothing more than to be back with her mom.  When the court grants her return to her mother, things are off to a rough start and only get more challenging.  Harmony struggles with her situation, but believes she has to support her mom.  When things get to a breaking point, Harmony has a very difficult decision to make.  Will she continue to put her mom first and keep living a life that puts her last or will Harmony finally put her own needs first?  This book begins with an unrealistic court scene, but becomes more realistic and the reader really wants to know what will happen with Harmony.  It's a story of family, friendship, and overcoming challenges.  I recommend this book to fans of Eric Walter and fans of realistic fiction.

Ghost Boys By: Jewell Parker Rhodes

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Ghost Boys" is the story of twelve-year-old Jerome.  Jerome lives with his parents, sister, and grandma. Everyone in the family works hard to do their best. Jerome is a good big brother and listens to the rules his family sets for him.  They are for his safety, after all.  At school, Jerome does his best to dodge the bullies, so when he meets a new student and they strike up a friendship, Jerome finds himself in an exciting new situation.  He even goes to play in the empty lot after school, something he never does.  Sadly, this is where Jerome meets his tragic end when he is shot by a police officer.  This is an extremely well written book.  The author alternates between the times when Jerome was alive and after his death.  The book has strong messages about inequality and racism.  It's a powerful read, but also very accessible.  I highly recommend this book.

Old School By: Gordon Korman

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

"Old School" is a 2026 Red Maple nominee.  This is the story of Dexter who is in grade 7 but has never actually been to school.  He's been educated and is quite smart, he just hasn't learned things in the traditional way. Dexter lives at The Pines retirement village with his grandmother where he's been taught by the best, including a World War 2 code breaker and an award-winning writer.  Dexter likes his life at The Pines, but when the truancy officer arrives to tell him he must attend school, he's off to the unknown.  This is another enjoyable read by Gordon Korman.  The story is told from multiple perspectives and is about friendship, family, and growing up.  I highly recommend this to fans of realistic fiction and/or fans of Gordon Korman.

Is There A Boy LIke Me? By: Kern Carter

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Is There A Boy Like Me?" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of London, who seems to have everything going for him.  He's good at sports, gaming, academics, and is popular at school.  The thing is London really loves drawing and dreams of becoming a graphic novel author.  London's dad wants him to become a coder because that way he will always be able to provide for his family.  When London's best friend encourages him to post one of his comics online, it becomes viral.  This leads to some unexpected complications.  Even though this shows that London has talent, will he be able to pursue his dream?  Will he be able to openly express who he is?  Read this realistic fiction about friendship, family, and growing up to find out.

Unsinkable Cayenne By: Jessica Vitalis

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"Unsinkable Cayenne" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This book is written in free verse from the perspective of 12 year old Cayenne.  Until recently, Cayenne and her family lived in a van, travelling the country.  With the arrival of her twin brother and sister, Cayenne's father took a job at a sawmill and the family settled down.  Cayenne's mother isn't particularly thrilled about this, but Cayenne is.  This is an opportunity to go to a real school and make friends.  Since this story is told in free verse, it is a quick and engaging read.  It's a touching story of family, friendship, growing up, and discovering what is truly important in life. 

No Purchase Necessary By: Maria Marianayagam

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"No Purchase Necessary" is a Red Maple 2026 nominee.  This is the story of Ajay and his family who have recently moved to small town, Bridge Creek, so his father can attend university in the nearby city of Callaway.  Ajay is hopeful for a new start, but finds himself the target of the school goons early on.  Jacob, the leader, who has been stealing from "Scary Al's" convenience store tells Ajay to get him a chocolate bar.  Ajay, who is seeking Jacob's approval, sees no option but to steal a chocolate bar.  After Ajay does this, Jacob doesn't even take the bar.  When Ajay opens the chocolate, he finds the one million dollar prize ticket inside the wrapper.  This money would mean a lot to his family, but he only won it by breaking several of his strict Tamil family's rules.  This begins a whole series of lies. Will Ajay come clean?  Will his family's life be changed by the winnings?  This is a heartfelt story of growing up, trying to fit in, family, and friendship.  I highly recommend this book.

Spirit Service By: Sarena and Sasha Nanua

Genre: Realistic/Fantasy Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Spirit Service" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  This is the story of four good friends who live in a small town that has an interesting history of being connected to the spirit world.  When the girls meet up at the local antique shop, a retro phone gives off a glow and the girls find themselves connecting to the spirit world through the old phone.  This book would be enjoyable for those who like stories about ghosts or magic, as well as fans of realistic fiction.  The book involves friendship, family, and overcoming challenges. 

The Anxious Exile Of Sara Salt By: Gabrielle Prendergast

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"The Anxious Exile Of Sara Salt" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  Ten-year-old Sara is just beginning summer vacation when her baby brother is born prematurely and has to stay at the hospital. Sara's mother and stepfather decide that Sara will spend the summer with her half-sister, Abby, in Toronto.  Sara has anxiety and selective mutism, but fortunately Abby understands.  Abby is an architect and lives in a storage container house on a vacant lot.  Abby's dream is to create a community of pod houses to support those experiencing homelessness.  Even though Sara doesn't typically speak to strangers, she finds a way to help Abby achieve her goal and make her voice heard.  This story is told through the letters Sara writes to her little brother.  It's a great story of friendship, family, personal growth, and helping others.  I highly recommend this to fans of realistic fiction. 

Benny On The Case By: Wesley King

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

"Benny On The Case" is a Silver Birch 2026 nominee.  In this story, Benny, who has Mosaic Down Syndrome and lives at the retirement home his mother runs, is anxiously awaiting the new school year when he will placed in a mainstream classroom.  His best friend, 86 year old, Mr. Tom does his best to help Benny prepare for this transition.  Fortunately for Benny, it turns out he isn't the only new student in his class.  Salma, whose grandmother lives at the retirement home Benny's mother runs, has just moved to Newfoundland.  Salma and Benny become fast friends.  The pair, unfortunately, face bullying and discrimination from their classmates.  Add to this recent thefts at the retirement home and there's plenty to deal with.  Salma and Benny are on the case.  As they uncover clues their friendship becomes stronger.  This is a great story about friendship, family, and acceptance.  Those who enjoy mystery will love trying to figure out who is behind the thefts.  

The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde By: Caroline Pignat

Genre: Realistic Fantasy Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde" is the first Red Maple 2026 nominee I've read and it's going to be difficult to top this book.  The story is set in 1913 Dublin and includes the voices of Finnegan, Eddie, and Tomas.  Finn is a young girl living on the streets who has no memory of her past.  Eddie is an apprentice archaeologist who works at the local museum with his father.  Tomas, a ninth-century monk, is the subject of Eddie's recent investigations. Through an unfortunate incident, Eddie and Finn's paths become entwined and the two work together to uncover the story of Tomas and Ireland's mythological past. Their journey is filled with adventure, magic and the unravelling of Finn's past.  This is a fantastic read and I highly recommend it to lovers of realistic fiction, historical fiction and fantasy. 

Ban This Book By: Alan Gratz

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 5+

Amy Anne is a quiet fourth grader who lives in a busy home with her two younger sisters and her parents.  Amy Anne doesn't often speak her thoughts, but when a parent gets Amy Anne's favourite book taken off the library shelves, Amy Anne must find a way to fight back.  With the help of a couple of friends, Amy Anne begins the "Banned Books Locker Library" where she circulates the books that have been removed from the library shelves to eager readers.  Things are going well until Amy Anne is inevitably caught.  Will Amy Anne find the courage to finally speak up about the banning of books?  Read this interesting story of friendship, standing up for what's right, and finding your voice to find out.  I enjoyed this book a lot and it's very eye-opening to learn that every one of the banned books in the novel have actually been removed from the shelves of American libraries at some point.  One criticism of the book is that Amy Anne is meant to be in the fourth grade.  I do not find it believable that students in grade four would be doing the things Amy Anne does.

Nish North and South By: Isabelle Picard

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

This is the story of twins, Eloise and Leon, who live in an Innu community in the far north of Quebec.  The chapters alternate between Eloise and Leon's perspectives.  This is a story that gently introduces the reader to life in a northern Indigenous community.  Eloise and Leon live a happy life in their tight-knit community, but do recognize the many inequities their community endures, such as inadequate housing, pollution from mining companies, and limited opportunities. The book includes many topics: friendship, family, community, first crushes, and school life.  This is an enjoyable read and I recommend the book to fans of realistic fiction and those hoping to learn more about life in Indigenous communities. 

Evacuation Order By: Jane Mason & Sarah Hines Stephens

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 6+

"Evacuation Order" is the story of 12 year old Sam who lives in Santa Bonita, California with his mom.  Sam's dad passed away a while ago.  Sam is very close to his best friend, Marco's, family who live nearby.  Sam has a dog who is a huge comfort to him.  Sam had a challenging relationship with his photographer father and is seeking a connection with his father by painstakingly recreating the photos his father took.  Sam's mother is a physician's assistant and works at the local hospital.  Since the passing of his father, Sam's mom works the night shift to earn more money, so Sam doesn't see a lot of his mom. Sam is coping with life until a forest fire comes very near to his community.  This is hard enough, but when an evacuation order is issued and his dog goes missing, Sam becomes overwhelmed.  Read the book to find out if the unending support of his best friend, Marco, will get Sam through this.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy realistic fiction.  The book would be suitable for someone who enjoys Alan Gratz books. This is a much simpler read, but the content is in the same vein.

How To Be A Goldfish By: Jane Baird Warren

Genre: Realistic Fiction
Age Recommendation: Grade 7/8

"How To Be A Goldfish" is told from the perspectives of Lizzie and David.  The story is set in 1981, but does also include events from the past.  Lizzie lives in Scotch Gully with her mother and grandmother.  Next door, lives Harry, who is like a grandfather to Lizzie.  Everyday after school, Lizzie heads to Harry's for a snack and to help on his farm.  David lives in the city.  He and his mother used to live with his grandfather, but now they live with his mom's boyfriend.  Sadly, David's grandfather recently passed away and David is having trouble with this, as well as the bullies at his new school.  Through the reading of David's grandfather's will, Lizzie and David meet and must work together to save the farm Harry lives on, all while uncovering some family secrets.  This is an interesting read. The story includes historic experiences of Home Children, unwed mothers, and the LGBTQ+ community.  I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical or realistic fiction.